Biological, phytochemical and molecular docking characteristics of Laurus nobilis L. fresh leaves essential oil from Palestine.

BACKGROUND: The historical use of Laurus nobilis L., the plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for its aromatic leaves, which are used as a flavoring agent in cooking and for their potential therapeutic properties. METHODS: The purpose of the current investigation was to characterize the essential oil composition of the fresh L. nobilis leaves from Palestine by using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), p-nitrophenyl butyrate, and 3,5-dinitro salicylic acid (DNSA) methods were employed to estimate the antioxidant, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects of the essential oil. While MTS assay were used to evaluate their antiproliferative activities on panels of cell lines. Moreover, the docking studies were aided by the Prime MM GBSA method for estimating binding affinities. RESULTS: The GC-MS investigation demonstrated that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has a variety of chemicals, about 31 different biochemicals were identified, and the major compounds were 1,8-cineole (48.54 ± 0.91%), terpinyl acetate (13.46 ± 0.34%), and α-terpinyl (3.84 ± 0.35%). Furthermore, the investigated oil demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial and candidal strains and significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cells more than the chemotherapeutic drug Doxorubicin. Furthermore, it contains robust DPPH free radicals, as well as porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase enzymes. Using the 1,8-cineole compound as the predominant biomolecule found in the L. nobilis essential oil, molecular docking studies were performed to confirm these observed fabulous results. The molecular docking simulations proposed that these recorded biological activities almost emanated from its high ability to form strong and effective hydrophobic interactions, this led to the getting of optimal fitting and interaction patterns within the binding sites of the applied crystallographic protein targets. CONCLUSION: The results of these experiments showed that the fresh L. nobilis leaves essential oil has outstanding pharmacological capabilities, making this oil a potential source of natural medications.

Efficacy of Laurus nobilis L. for Tight Junction Protein Imbalance in Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Laurus nobilis L. (LNL) belongs to the evergreen Lauraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean and widely distributed in the southern United States, Europe, and the Middle East. LNL is rich in active ingredients of the sesquiterpene lactone series and has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. And parthenolide, known as a sesquiterpene lactone-based compound, inhibits the activation of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), which is a major trigger for leaky gut syndrome. However, the effectiveness of LNL in improving the state of increased intestinal permeability has not yet been reported. Therefore, we demonstrated the efficacy of LNL, which is known to be rich in parthenolide, in improving intestinal permeability induced by IL-13. We investigated the improvement in permeability and analyzed major tight junction proteins (TJs), permeability-related mechanisms, weight and disease activity indices, and corresponding cytokine mechanisms. LNL maintained TJs homeostasis and clinical improvement by reducing increased claudin-2 through the inhibition of IL-13/STAT6 activation in TJ-damaged conditions. These results are expected to be effective in preventing leaky gut syndrome through the TJ balance and to further improve intestinal-related diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Antimicrobial effects of laurel extract, laurel essential oil, zahter extract, and zahter essential oil on chicken wings contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of zahter extract, zahter essential oil, laurel extract, and laurel essential oil on Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on chicken wings. METHODS: A total of 10 groups, including eight study groups and two control groups were formed, consisting of zahter extract and zahter essential oil and laurel extract and laurel essential oil in different proportions. In the study, laurel extract at 6.4% and 12.8% concentrations, laurel essential oil at 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations, zahter extract at 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations, and zahter essential oil at 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations were used. RESULTS: The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract and essential oils on the S. Typhimurium. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts and essential oils used in the study against S. Typhimurium were determined. The highest inhibitory effect on S. Typhimurium was observed in the 0.4% laurel essential oil group. It was determined that the inhibitory effect increased as the concentration of laurel essential oil increased. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of zahter essential oil is less inhibitory than the laurel extract, laurel essential oil, and zahter extract. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it has been revealed that extracts and essential oils obtained from zahter and laurel plants, which have been shown to be natural antimicrobial, can be used in foods as an alternative to chemical additives. To develop research results, the applicability of these extracts and essential oils in different foodstuffs should be examined using different ingredients and concentrations.

Artecanin of Laurus nobilis is a novel inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease with highly desirable druglikeness.

Main protease (Mpro) is a critical enzyme in the life cycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to its essential role in the maturation of the polyproteins, the necessity to inhibit Mpro is one of the essential means to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19. In this context, this study was conducted on the natural compounds of medicinal plants that are commonly available in the Middle East to find out the most potent one to inhibit Mpro with the best bioavailability and druglikeness properties. A total of 3392 compounds of sixty-six medicinal plants were retrieved from PubChem database and docked against Mpro. Thirty compounds with the highest docking scores with Mpro were chosen for further virtual screening. Variable druglikeness and toxicity potentials of these compounds were evaluated using SwissADME and Protox servers respectively. Out of these virtually screened compounds, artecanin was predicted to exhibit the most favourable druglikeness potentials, accompanied by no predicted hepatoxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that Mpro-artecanin complex exhibited comparable stability with that observed in the ligand-free Mpro. This study revealed for the first time that artecanin from Laurus nobilis provided a novel static and dynamic inhibition for Mpro with excellent safety, oral bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profile. This study suggested the ability of artecanin to be used as a potential natural inhibitor that can be used to block or at least counteract the SARS-CoV-2 invasion.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Influence of laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil on gut function of Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax) juveniles.

The present work investigated the effects of dietary incorporation of laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil on the zootechnical performance and digestive physiology of juvenile Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax). In this trial, 15 fiberglass tanks (39 × 39 cm square and 33 cm high) were used. Forty-five fish (3.52 ± 0.01 g) were placed randomly per tank. Fish were fed for 90 days with the diet containing 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg kg-1 laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oils, respectively. The work was performed in the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) operating with freshwater. Fish were manually fed 3% level of live weight during the experiment period. Final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), feed conversion rate (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR) were not affected by laurel essential oil supplementation. Dietary laurel essential oil (50 mg kg-1) affected positively the surface area of fish intestinal villus that required for digestion. Both villus height and villus width were affected positively in fish fed with 50 mg laurel essential oil kg-1. While incorporation with 100 mg laurel essential oil kg-1 increased the total α-amylase enzyme, 50 mg laurel kg-1 increased lipase enzyme. Moreover, 50 mg laurel essential oil kg-1 increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in fish. Besides, 50 mg laurel essential oil kg-1 reduced the number of total coliform and E. coli.

Phytochemical profile and anthelmintic effects of Laurus nobilis essential oil against the ovine nematode Haemonchus contortus and the murine helminth model Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

Small ruminant production in tropical and temperate countries faced substantial anthelmintic resistance due to the intensive use of commercial anthelmintic drugs. Therefore, alternative treatments including natural bioactive compounds with anthelmintic potential have been investigated looking for its successfully use in the parasite control. In the present study, we describe the chemical profile of Laurus nobilis essential oil (EO), the in vitro anthelmintic activity of L. nobilis EO against Haemonchus contortus and its in vivo anthelmintic effect against the murine helminth parasite model Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Chromatographic profile of L. nobilis (EO) extracted from the leaves of L. nobilis have shown the presence of monterpens 1,8-cineol (Eucalyptol) (29.47%), D-Limonène (18.51%) and Linalool (10.84%) in high fractions. The in vitro anthelmintic potential was expressed by an ovicidal effect against H. contortus egg hatching with inhibition value of 1.72 mg/mL and 87.5% of immobility of adult worms after 8 h of exposure to 4 mg/mL of L. nobilis EO. Regarding, the in vivo anthelmintic potential, L. nobilis (EO) at 2400 mg/kg bw completely eliminated the egg output of H. polygyrus after 7 days of oral treatment, together with a 79.2% of reduction in total worm counts. Based on the obtained results, L. nobilis EO showed promising in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic capacities against gastrointestinal parasites.

Pressurized Liquid Extraction as a Novel Technique for the Isolation of Laurus nobilis L. Leaf Polyphenols.

Laurus nobilis L., known as laurel or bay leaf, is a Mediterranean plant which has been long known for exhibiting various health-beneficial effects that can largely be attributed to the polyphenolic content of the leaves. Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is a green extraction technique that enables the efficient isolation of polyphenols from different plant materials. Hence, the aim of this research was to determine optimal conditions for PLE (solvent, temperature, number of extraction cycles and static extraction time) of laurel leaf polyphenols and to assess the polyphenolic profile of the optimal extract by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) as well as to evaluate the antioxidant activity determined by FRAP, DPPH and ORAC assays. The optimal PLE conditions were 50% ethanol, 150 °C, one extraction cycle and 5 min static time. The polyphenolic extract obtained at optimal PLE conditions comprised 29 identified compounds, among which flavonols (rutin and quercetin-3-glucoside) were the most abundant. The results of antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that PLE is an efficient green technique for obtaining polyphenol-rich laurel leaf extracts with relatively high antioxidant activity.

Structural interactions of phytoconstituent(s) from cinnamon, bay leaf, oregano, and parsley with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: A comparative assessment for development of potential antiviral nutraceuticals.

SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for causing 6,218,308 deaths globally till date and has garnered worldwide attention. The lack of effective preventive and therapeutic drugs against SARS-CoV-2 has further worsened the scenario and has bolstered research in the area. The N-terminal and C-terminal RNA binding domains (NTD and CTD) of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein represent attractive therapeutic drug targets. Naturally occurring compounds are an excellent source of novel drug candidates due to their structural diversity and safety. Ten major bioactive compounds were identified in ethanolic extract (s) of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum tamala, Origanum vulgare, and Petroselinum crispum using HPLC and their cytotoxic potential was determined against cancer and normal cell lines by MTT assay to ascertain their biological activity in vitro. To evaluate their antiviral potential, the binding efficacy to NTD and CTD of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein was determined using in silico biology tools. In silico assessment of the phytocomponents revealed that most of the phytoconstituents displayed a druglike character with no predicted toxicity. Binding affinities were in the order apigenin > catechin > apiin toward SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid NTD. Toward nucleocapsid CTD, the affinity decreased as apigenin > cinnamic acid > catechin. Remdesivir displayed lesser affinity with NTD and CTD of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins than any of the studied phytoconstituents. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results revealed that throughout the 100 ns simulation, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein NTD-apigenin complex displayed greater stability than SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein NTD-cinnamic acid complex. Hence, apigenin, catechin, apiin and cinnamic acid might prove as effective prophylactic and therapeutic candidates against SARS-CoV-2, if examined further in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ten major bioactive compounds were identified in the extract(s) of four medicinally important plants viz. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum tamala, Origanum vulgare and Petroselinum crispum using HPLC and their biological activity was also evaluated against cancer and normal cell lines. Interestingly, while all extract(s) wielded significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells, no significant toxicity was found against normal cells. The outcome of the results prompted evaluation of the antiviral potential of the ten bioactive compounds using in silico biology tools. The present study emphasizes on the application of computational approaches to understand the binding interaction and efficacy of the ten bioactive compounds from the above plants with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal and C-terminal RNA binding domains in preventing and/or treating COVID-19 using in silico tools. Druglikeness and toxicity profiles of the compounds were carried out to check the therapeutic application of the components. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was performed to check the stability of ligand-protein complexes. The results provided useful insights into the structural binding interaction(s) that can be exploited for the further development of potential antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2 especially since no specific therapy is still available to combat the rapidly evolving virus and the existing treatment is more or less symptomatic which makes search for novel antiviral agents all the more necessary and crucial.

Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oil-Loaded PLGA as a Nanoformulation Candidate for Cancer Treatment.

The aim of this study was to obtain essential oil (LNEO) from the Laurus nobilis L. plant, and to prepare LNEO-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as an approach in cancer treatment. The components of the obtained LNEO were analyzed using GC-MS. The LNEO-NPs were synthesized by the single-emulsion method. The LNEO-NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrometry, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and a DNA binding assay, which was performed via the UV-Vis titration method. According to the results, the LNEO-NPs had a 211.4 ± 4.031 nm average particle size, 0.068 ± 0.016 PdI, and -7.87 ± 1.15 mV zeta potential. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were calculated as 59.25% and 25.65%, respectively, and the in vitro drug release study showed an LNEO release of 93.97 ± 3.78% over the 72 h period. Moreover, the LNEO was intercalatively bound to CT-DNA. In addition, the mechanism of action of LNEO on a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was predicted, and its antiproliferative activity and mechanism were determined using molecular docking analysis. It was concluded that LNEO-loaded PLGA NPs may be used for cancer treatment as a novel phytotherapeutic agent-based controlled-release system.

Effectiveness of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) or bay leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) powder in improving the quality of Labneh.

BACKGROUND: Herbs and spices are natural ingredients that have been widely used not just as food flavouring but also for their health attributes. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer components present in them enhance the health and medical status of human beings. The present study aims to produce Labneh fortified with cardamom and bay leaf powder to enhance the quality and shelf life. METHODS: Cardamom or bay leaf powder were added separately at the ratios of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% (w/w) to Labneh and the treatments were compared with a control without cardamom or bay leaf powder during storage (at 5 ±1°C for 40 days). RESULTS: The total solids, fat, ash, carbohydrate and fiber contents were insignificantly higher in Labneh containing cardamom or bay leaf powder than control. The titratable acidity of Labneh gradually increased, whereas the pH values decreased by increasing the concentration of cardamom or bay leaf powder during the storage period. No significant differences were found in any textural parameters between Labneh containing condiments and control, except for that containing 1% cardamom or bay leaf powder, which exhibited higher hardness during the storage period. Minerals, antioxidants activity (RSA%), total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) increased with the increase of the added percentage of cardamom or bay leaf powder compared to control. Due to the stimulatory effect of cardamom and bay leaves on Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the viability of the total bacterial count (TBC) gradually increased as the level of those condiments increased. The control became moldy after 10 days of cold storage while Labneh containing condiments remained unspoiled with yeasts and moulds for up to 30 days of cold storage. Sensory evaluation indicated that 1% addition of cardamom and 0.75% of bay leaf powder to Labneh improved quality and extends the shelf life of Labneh up to 30 days at 5 ±1°C. CONCLUSIONS: Labneh supplemented with cardamom or bay leaf powder can be considered as a novel product with acceptable quality and extended shelf life.

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis leaves.

Chemical composition determination and in vitro antibacterial effect of Essential Oil (EO) of Laurus nobilis leaves grown North West Algerian conditions were investigated. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by the technique of the paper disc diffusion. Extractions were carried out with Clevenger apparatus and EO compositions were investigated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The oxygenated monoterpenes (MO) were the class with the highest contents, represent 59% of the EO. A total of twenty-seven of these compounds were identified, the major components were 1,8-cineole (30.1%), α-terpynil acetate (21.6%), methyl eugenol (16.9%) of the total oil. The highest antibacterial power of the EO tested was recorded in Streptococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus with the zone diameter of inhibition 13.6 and 11.2 mm respectively and a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/mL for both these two strains.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of Laurel essential oil / Atividade antimicrobiana e caracterização química do óleo essencial de Louro / Actividad antimicrobiana y caracterización química del aceite esencial de Laurel

The factors that arouse interest in the study of essential oils as biocidal agents are numerous, such as the fact that they have antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and larvicidal properties. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, in vitro, of the laurel (Laurus nobilis L) essential oil on the growth of pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, at different exposure times, as well as to perform the chemical characterization. Twenty compounds were identified and quantified, representing 96.57% of the total composition. The class of oxygenated monoterpenes represented the majority class of the essential oil, with 1,8-cineol (33.8%) as the substance found in greater quantity, followed by linalool (17.79%). The third constituent in greater quantity was sabinene (12.23%), belonging to the group of monoterpene hydrocarbons. Terpinyl acetate (9.41%) was also considered to be quantitatively representative. Laurel essential oil showed bacteriostatic activity against S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and S. aureus ATCC 25923.(AU)

Os fatores que despertam interesse no estudo dos óleos essenciais como agentes biocidas são inúmeros, como o fato de possuírem propriedades antibacteriana, antifúngica, inseticida, antioxidante, antiinflamatória e larvicida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana, in vitro, do óleo essencial de louro (Laurus nobilis L) sobre o crescimento das bactérias patogênicas Salmonella enterica sorovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 e Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, em diferentes tempos de exposição, assim como realizar a caracterização química do óleo. Vinte compostos foram identificados e quantificados, representando 96,57% da composição total. A classe dos monoterpenos oxigenados representou a classe majoritária do óleo essencial, sendo o 1,8-cineol (33,8%) a substância encontrada em maior quantidade, seguido do linalol (17,79%). O terceiro constituinte em maior quantidade foi o sabineno (12,23%), pertencente ao grupo dos hidrocarbonetos monoterpênicos. O acetato de terpinila (9,41%) também foi considerado quantitativamente representativo. O óleo essencial de louro apresentou atividade bacteriostática contra S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 e S. aureus ATCC 25923.(AU)

Los factores que despiertan interés en el estudio de los aceites esenciales como agentes biocidas son innumerables, como el hecho de que tienen propiedades antibacterianas, anti fúngicas, insecticidas, antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias y larvicidas. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana, in vitro, del aceite esencial de laurel (Laurus nobilis L) sobre el crecimiento de bacterias patógenas Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 y Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, en diferentes momentos de exposición, así como realizar la caracterización química del aceite. Se identificaron y cuantificaron veinte compuestos, que representan el 96,57% de la composición total. La clase de mono terpenos oxigenados representó la clase principal de aceite esencial, siendo el 1,8-cineol (33,8%) la sustancia que se encuentra en mayor cantidad, seguida del linalol (17,79%). El tercer constituyente en mayor cantidad fue el sabineno (12,23%), perteneciente al grupo de los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos. El acetato de terpinilo (9,41%) también se consideró cuantitativamente representativo. El aceite esencial de laurel mostró actividad bacteriostática contra S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 y S. aureus ATCC 25923.(AU)

In vitro acaricidal activity of essential oil and crude extracts of Laurus nobilis, (Lauraceae) grown in Tunisia, against arthropod ectoparasites of livestock and poultry: Hyalomma scupense and Dermanyssus gallinae.

The current study assayed the toxicity of Laurus nobilis essential oil and crude extracts obtained using solvents of increasing polarity (cyclohexane, acetone and ethanol), on two ectoparasites of veterinary importance, i.e., Hyalomma scupense and Dermanyssus gallinae. The major components detected in bay laurel essential oil were dominated by 1.8-cineole (46.56 %), α-terpinenyl acetate (13.99 %), sabinene (7.69), α-pinene (5.75), linalool (5.50), methyleugenol (5.36 %) and ß-pinene (3.97). The highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents were present in the ethalonic extract of L. nobilis leaves at an amount of 152.88 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight (GAE/g DW) and 21.77 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of dry weight (QE/g DW), respectively. In vitro acaricidal effects of essensial oil and crude extract of L. nobilis against H. scupense were ascertained by adult immersion test of engorged females (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT) compared with a reference drug amitraz. The essential oil exhibited strong acaricidal activity against tick engorged female and inhibition of hatching eggs. After 24 h of exposure, at the highest tested concentration (100 mg/mL) essential oil induced 90.67 % mortality of H. scupense larvae (LC50 = 10.69 mg/mL). Otherwise, essential oil exhibited high acaricidal activity compared to extracts, and among the extract, the ethanolic extract revealed the highest acaricidal efficacy (81.27 % female mortality). Results from mite contact toxicity showed that essential oil and extracts from L. nobilis were toxic to D. gallinae. Bay essential oil was both more toxic to mites, and faster in exerting this toxicity than other tested crude extracts. L. nobilis essential oil concentration leaded to enhance mortality of D. gallinae reaching the highest (100 %) mortality at 12 h with a concentration of 320 mg/mL. While, ethanolic extract acheived this rate after 24 h of exposure at same concentration. Cyclohexanic extract showed weak acaricidal activity.

Suggestions on the Contribution of Methyl Eugenol and Eugenol to Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) Essential Oil Preservative Activity through Radical Scavenging.

The present study examined the radical scavenging potential of the two benzene derivatives found in the bay laurel essential oil (EO), namely methyl eugenol (MEug) and eugenol (Eug), theoretically and experimentally to make suggestions on their contribution to the EO preservative activity through such a mechanism. Calculation of appropriate molecular indices widely used to characterize chain-breaking antioxidants was carried out in the gas and liquid phases (n-hexane, n-octanol, methanol, water). Experimental evidence was based on the DPPH• scavenging assay applied to pure compounds and a set of bay laurel EOs chemically characterized with GC-MS/FID. Theoretical calculations suggested that the preservative properties of both compounds could be exerted through a radical scavenging mechanism via hydrogen atom donation. Eug was predicted to be of superior efficiency in line with experimental findings. Pearson correlation and partial least square regression analyses of the EO antioxidant activity values vs. % composition of individual volatiles indicated the positive contribution of both compounds to the radical scavenging activity of bay laurel EOs. Eug, despite its low content in bay laurel EOs, was found to influence the most the radical scavenging activity of the latter.

Biological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Laurus noboilis L. Leaves on Some Histological and Immunological Parameters in Male Rat Liver Affected by Aluminum Chloride.

The present current study aimed to assess the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Laurus noboilis L. leaves against the toxic effects of aluminum chloride on liver tissue. A number of 36 male albino rats (Wistar) were randomly assigned to six groups (n=6) and treated for 30 days: Group 1 was regarded as the control group, Group 2 received Aluminum Chloride 90 mg/kg body weight orally by gavage, Group3: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 150 mg/kg body weight, Group 4: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 200 mg/kg body weight, Group 5: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Lurus Nobilis L. leaf 150 mg/kg body weight after a period of 4 h following treatment by Aluminum Chloride 90 mg/kg body weight, Group 6: normal rats received aqueous extracts of Laurus nobilis L. 200 mg /kg after a period of 4 h following treatment by Aluminum chloride with 90 mg/kg body weight. All the experimental animals were sacrificed, and sections of their liver were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for histological evaluations. Moreover, the liver enzymes and immune cytokines, such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured. As evidenced by the results of the current study, treatment with aqueous extract of Lurus Nobilis L. leaves at a dose of 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight orally contributed to the mitigation of the toxic effects of Aluminum Chloride in albino rats by reducing the damage and inflammation in the hepatocytes. The study suggested that the aqueous extract of Lurus Nobilis L. enhances the protective effect against liver toxicity.

The effect of bay leaf extract (Syzygium polyanthum) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 (PECAM-1) expression in acute coronary syndrome.

Aim To investigate effect of bay leaf extract in endothelial integrity, observed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level, VEGF and CD31 expression. Methods Thirty-two acute coronary syndrome surgery-induced Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus) were divided into 16 bay leaf extract (treatment) groups and 16 control groups, sacrificed on day 1, 4, 7, and 14 after the induction. Serum VEGF level was determined by ELISA and expression of VEGFR-2 and CD31 were detected on immunohistochemistry. Results This study showed increased expression of serum VEGF level, and VEGFR-2 expression was found significantly on day 7 and 14 in the treatment group compared to the control group. CD31 expression was significantly different compared to the control groups on day 4, 7, and 14 of administration. Conclusion The potential effect of bay leaf extract on angiogenesis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as adjuvant for the treatment. Bay leaf extract has been shown to support angiogenesis and maintain endothelial integrity that leads to better prognosis for reperfusion on ischemic tissue.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, phytochemical screening and antiprotozoal effects of the methanolic Viola tricolor and acetonic Laurus nobilis extracts.

BACKGROUND: The antiprotozoal and antioxidant activities of Viola tricolor and Laurus nobilis have been reported recently. Thus, the existing study pursued to assess the growth inhibition effect of methanolic extract of V. tricolor (MEVT) and acetonic extract of L. nobilis (AELN) against five Babesia parasites and Theileria equi in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: MEVT and AELN suppressed Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi, and T. equi growth at half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 75.7 ± 2.6, 43.3 ± 1.8, 67.6 ± 2.8, 48 ± 3.8, 54 ± 2.1 µg/mL, and 86.6 ± 8.2, 33.3 ± 5.1, 62.2 ± 3.3, 34.5 ± 7.5 and 82.2 ± 9.3 µg/mL, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical estimation revealed that both extracts containing multiple bioactive constituents and significant amounts of flavonoids and phenols. The toxicity assay revealed that MEVT and AELN affected the mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3 T3) and Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell viability with half-maximum effective concentrations (EC50) of 930 ± 29.9, 1260 ± 18.9 µg/mL, and 573.7 ± 12.4, 831 ± 19.9 µg/mL, respectively, while human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) cell viability was not influenced even at 1500 µg/mL. The in vivo experiment revealed that the oral administration of MEVT and AELN prohibited B. microti multiplication in mice by 35.1 and 56.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses indicate the prospects of MEVT and AELN as good candidates for isolating new anti-protozoal compounds which could assist in the development of new drug molecules with new drug targets.

Diagnostic Potential of FT-IR Fingerprinting in Botanical Origin Evaluation of Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oil is Supported by GC-FID-MS Data.

The last years, non-targeted fingerprinting by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has gained popularity as an alternative to classical gas chromatography (GC)-based methods because it may allow fast, green, non-destructive and cost-effective assessment of quality of essential oils (EOs) from single plant species. As the relevant studies for Laurus nobilis L. (bay laurel) EO are limited, the present one aimed at exploring the diagnostic potential of FT-IR fingerprinting for the identification of its botanical integrity. A reference spectroscopic dataset of 97 bay laurel EOs containing meaningful information about the intra-species variation was developed via principal component analysis (PCA). This dataset was used to train a one-class model via soft independent modelling class analogy (SIMCA). The model was challenged against commercial bay laurel and non-bay laurel EOs of non-traceable production history. Overall, the diagnostic importance of spectral bands at 3060, 1380-1360, 1150 and 1138 cm-1 was assessed using GC-FID-MS data. The findings support the introduction of FT-IR as a green analytical technique in the quality control of these often mislabeled and/or adulterated precious products. Continuous evaluation of the model performance against newly acquired authentic EOs from all producing regions is needed to ensure validity over time.

Complete essential oils of Laurus nobilisinducing antinociceptiveaction by opioid mechanism in C-Reflex and spinal Wind-Up model in rat / Aceites esenciales totales de Laurus nobilis inducen acción antinociceptivamediante mecanismo opioide en el modelode Reflejo-C y Wind-Up espinal en ratas

The essential oil of Laurus nobilis L. was used to test their antinociceptive efficacy. It was applied intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats subjected to a nociception test (C reflex and spinal wind-up). The results showed that the essential oil applied at higher doses (0.06 mg/Kg) causes a complete abolition of the spinal wind-up, while the C reflex was unchanged, indicating a clear antinociceptive effect. At lower concentrations (0.012 mg/Kg), there was a lowering in the wind-up by 85% within ten minutes of the essential i.p. oil application. Interestingly, there was an effect of naloxone (0.08 mg/Kg i.p.) When applied, a change occurs that almost entirely reversed the antinociception caused by the essential oil from Laurus nobilis. We conclude that there is a significant antinociceptive effect of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis subjected to electric nociception. In addition, it was observed that naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect (wind-up) produced by Laurus nobilis.

El aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis L. se usó para probar su eficacia antinociceptiva. Se aplicó por vía intraperitoneal (i.p.) a ratas sometidas a una prueba de nocicepción (reflejo-C y wind-up espinal). Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial aplicado a dosis más altas (0.06 mg/Kg) abolió completamente el wind-up espinal, mientras que el reflejo-C no cambió, lo que indica un claro efecto antinociceptivo. A concentraciones más bajas (0.012 mg/Kg), hubo una disminución en el wind-up en un 85% dentro de los diez minutos del i.p. la aplicación del aceite esencial. Curiosamente, hubo un efecto de la naloxona (0.08 mg/Kg i.p.) la cual revierte casi por completo la antinocicepción causada por el aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis. Concluimos que existe un efecto antinociceptivo significativo del aceite esencial de Laurus nobilis sometido a nocicepción eléctrica. Además, se observó que la naloxona revirtió el efecto antinociceptivo (wind-up) producido por Laurus nobilis.

Atividade antimicrobiana de óleos essenciais de diferentes especiarias / Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of different spices

As especiarias são utilizadas na alimentação, conferindo sabor e conservação prolongada aos alimentos, pois apresentam propriedades antimicrobianas provenientes dos óleos essenciais de sua constituição. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana dos óleos essenciais de cravo, louro, manjericão, noz moscada e orégano frente a seis bactérias patogênicas e deteriorantes por meio da técnica de difusão em poços e determinação das Concentrações Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Bactericida Mínima (CBM). O óleo essencial de orégano evidenciou forte atividade antibacteriana (CIM 50 - 800 μg.mL-1), seguido do cravo (CIM 800 - 3200 μg.mL-1), com atividade moderada para todos os microrganismos. Os outros óleos apresentaram baixa ação (CIM 400 - 3200 μg.mL-1), não apresentando atividade sobre todos as bactérias. Desta forma os óleos essenciais de cravo e orégano apresentaram melhor atividade antibacteriana e se apresentam como promissores para a aplicação e uso em alimentos.